Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Dover, DE

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Dover, Kent County, Delaware.

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $75–$250 est. 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online. Sole proprietors without employees may use their SSN, but an EIN is recommended for privacy and professional credibility.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

    Required for any paid preparer who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for clients. If your bookkeeping practice includes any federal tax return preparation, you must obtain and renew your PTIN annually. Bookkeeping-only services (no tax return preparation) do not require a PTIN.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online at IRS.gov)

State of Delaware

1 stop

  1. Delaware Business Registration (Division of Corporations)

    Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses operating in Delaware must register with the Delaware Division of Corporations if structured as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership. Sole proprietors using a trade name must register it with the Delaware Division of Revenue through Delaware One Stop — as of February 2, 2026 the Division of Revenue administers the statewide trade name (DBA) registry and filings are no longer made with the county Superior Court Prothonotary. An LLC is strongly recommended for liability protection. Every business also needs a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue.

    Official government source

    $110 for an LLC Certificate of Formation; $109 minimum for a Certificate of Incorporation (rises with authorised shares); plus $25 for a trade name registration if you use one1–7 business days online; 24-hour and same-day expedited service available for an extra fee

City of Dover / Kent County

2 stops

  1. Dover General Business License

    All businesses operating within Dover must obtain a general business license (also called a business tax certificate or occupational license) from the city. For a bookkeeping or accounting service, this is a straightforward administrative registration. No specialized local certification is required beyond the standard business license. Must be renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $52-$96/year (1-3 vs 4-9 employees, per Dover's business-license fee schedule)1–2 weeks

  2. Dover Home Occupation Compliance (if home-based)

    Dover does not issue a separately named or separately priced 'Home Occupation Permit'. A bookkeeping business run from a residence must comply with the home-occupation provisions of the city's Zoning Ordinance (no client foot traffic, no exterior signage, limited storage) and must still hold the standard City of Dover business license. Confirm zoning compliance with Planning and Inspections before starting.

    Official government source

    No separate home-occupation fee; the city business license applies — $52/year for a business with 1–3 employees not otherwise listed in Appendix F1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$250 · 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses

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